EATING AT CHARLEY'S PUB >>>

Unapologetically a dive bar, there's no pretense that Charley's Pub is anything else. Pool tables, karaoke, poker, patio and darts: entertainment and drinking take precedence over the American and Asian food eats.

Michelle Lemon of NightOutTacoma.com says the secret to getting good Asian food at the bar is to go when Kay is cooking. "It's really good. You'll be surprised," Lemon tells me.

She was right about the surprise. I had forgotten what day-time drinkers were like; you know the guys that are completely ripped at 2:30 p.m. ... so drunk you'll get a contact-buzz just by standing near them long enough to order. Even at the lunch hour everything about Charley's screams, "You may get mugged while walking to your car."

However, said mugger would probably let you keep your to-go box of left-over beef yakisoba; never would it be imagined that the beef from Charley's is ultra tender and packs great flavor, or that generous portions of noodles encourage eating until uncomfortably full. Check out fried rice, wonton soup, egg rolls, gyoza, barbequed pork, Mongolian beef and General Tao's chicken (a milder version of the Tso dish).

Does Charley's Pub offer amazing, write-to-your-mother Asian food? No, but it's just as good as other strip-mall locations.

Was I amazed that what I was eating came from Charley's? Obviously.

[Charley's Pub, menu ranges from $3.95-$9.95, 6520 19th St. W., Tacoma, 253.564.9454]

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

LINK: Happy hours